Method and apparatus for rescue of aquatic mammals

Abstract

An aquatic mammal rescue device and method includes an array of suction cup lifters that adapt to contact and adhere to the body of an aquatic mammal on land or at the surface of water. The array is lifted to raise the aquatic mammal from the ground or water for transport. The rescue device may be part of a vehicle capable of land, sea, and/or air travel or it may be movable by attachment to a separate vehicle of other lifting mechanism (e.g., crane). The device may be used to transport a beached mammal (e.g., a whale) back to the water or to a treatment facility. It may also be used to take an injured animal from the wild or a tank to a treatment facility.

1. A device for transporting an aquatic mammal, comprising:
 an array of vacuum couplers comprising two or more rows of vacuum couplers; and 
 a lifting mechanism for raising and lowering the array; 
 wherein the device is adapted for attachment to a separate vehicle or other device for lifting and moving the device. 
 
     
     
       2. The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a pivot head wherein the array is connected to and manipulated by a pivot head. 
     
     
       3. The device of  claim 1 , further comprising one or more flotation devices. 
     
     
       4. The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a harness. 
     
     
       5. An amphibious vehicle or aircraft for transporting an aquatic animal, comprising:
 an array of vacuum lifters adapted for coupling to the body of in aquatic animal; 
 a lifting mechanism for raising and lowering the array, the lifting mechanism; and 
 at least one flotation device. 
 
     
     
       6. The amphibious vehicle of  claim 5  further comprising at least one ground movement mechanism. 
     
     
       7. The amphibious vehicle of  claim 6  wherein the at least one ground movement mechanism comprises wheels. 
     
     
       8. The amphibious vehicle of  claim 7  wherein at least one of the wheels is retractable. 
     
     
       9. The amphibious vehicle of  claim 5  further comprising a flight mechanism. 
     
     
       10. The amphibious vehicle of  claim 5  wherein the array of vacuum lifters is connected to a pivot head. 
     
     
       11. The amphibious vehicle of  claim 5  wherein the at least one flotation device comprises pontoons. 
     
     
       12. The device of  claim 5 , further comprising a harness. 
     
     
       13. A method of transporting an aquatic animal, comprising:
 attaching an array of suction cups having two or more rows of suction cups to the animal; 
 lifting the array of suction cups and the animal; and 
 moving the array of suction cups attached to the animal. 
 
     
     
       14. The method of  claim 13 , wherein the step of moving the animal further comprises moving the animal with a land vehicle. 
     
     
       15. The method of  claim 13 , wherein the step of moving the animal further comprises moving the animal with a water vehicle. 
     
     
       16. The method of  claim 13 , wherein the step of moving the animal further comprises moving the animal with an amphibious vehicle. 
     
     
       17. The method of  claim 13 , wherein the step of moving the animal further comprises, moving the animal with a flying vehicle. 
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 13 , wherein the step of moving the animal further comprises moving the animal with a flying vehicle capable of floating. 
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 13 , wherein the step of moving the animal further comprises lifting the array with a land-based crane or water-based crane. 
     
     
       20. The method of  claim 13 , further comprising supporting the animal from beneath. 
     
     
       21. The method of  claim 20 , wherein the step of supporting the animal from beneath comprises the use of a harness.